Move · Videos · Technique · 16 min

Salsa On2 Basics: Forward, Side and Back Steps for Beginners

Salsa On2 Basics: Forward, Side and Back Steps for Beginners — video by Salsa Classes Online Play · 16:18

Video by Salsa Classes Online on YouTube · Open on YouTube

Joel and Maria, who teach salsa On2 (New York style) at their New York salsa studio, teach the forward basic, side step and back basic by ear to the conga drum rather than counts, with posture and weight tips, then practise them to a song. No partner needed.

  • 16 min
  • Beginner
  • Low impact (no jumping)
  • No equipment
  • Salsa

Good forDancing for fun

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Step by step 9

Tap a time to watch that step in the video.

  1. Basic by sound: step the right foot forward and back with the conga, changing weight each time. 0:08
  2. Step onto the ball of the foot with the knees slightly bent for a grounded, natural look. 1:49
  3. Press, weight, weight: the outside step is only a press; the full weight change is in the centre. 3:27
  4. Arms: keep them relaxed and framing the body just above belly-button height, as when jogging. 4:40
  5. Side step: close with the right in the centre, then open to the side with the left. 6:23
  6. Back basic: close first, then step back with the left, return to centre and back with the right. 8:10
  7. Run through the side step, forward basic and back basic one after another. 9:56
  8. Play the song: feel the conga like a heartbeat and dance the basic on it. 11:50
  9. Practise the side step, back basic and forward basic to the music, staying with the conga. 12:47

The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.

Form cues from the coach

  • Keep the knees slightly bent and step onto the ball of the foot for a grounded feel
  • The outside step is only a press; make the full weight change in the centre
  • Hold your arms relaxed around belly-button height, as if jogging

What it works

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Joints it uses light on the joints

  • Hips movesweight changes in the centre
  • Knees movessoft-knee forward, side and back basics
  • Ankles & feet movesstepping onto the ball of the foot

A guide to the joints this video’s moves load, from what the coach does — not medical advice. Some ache is normal; stop if a joint hurts sharply. How joints are rated

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Video by Salsa Classes Online; the summary, steps, cues, body areas and joint notes are Notbroken’s, written from what the coach actually does in the video and checked a second time. Warm up first, take the easier options until a move feels easy, and stop if you feel sharp pain, chest pain or dizziness. General instruction, not advice for your body. About & safety